20 Steps to Starting a Business

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New businesses face many challenges, from planning and licensing to opening bank accounts and
creating a company website. Regardless of where you are in the process, The Company Corporation can
help. Follow each step on our checklist to stay on the right track.

1. Write a business plan. Form goals and objectives for your new company. A successful start to
any business requires a detailed outline of what you plan to accomplish.

2. Obtain start-up capital. Whether you use your own savings or obtain loans, starting a business
requires money. The loan process can take months to complete, so start early. Lenders often
request a completed business plan prior to approval of funding.

3. Set up a legal business structure. Forming a corporation or LLC can protect owners' personal
assets from business debts. Additionally, incorporating can provide credibility and tax benefits.
Let The Company Corporation help you incorporate or form an LLC online.

4. Register "Doing Business As" names. Will your corporation or LLC do business under a name
other than its legal name filed with the Secretary of State? If so, it must file a DBA (Doing
Business As) name. We can help you file your DBA name.

5. Appoint a Registered Agent. Businesses must maintain an address for service of process where
legal documents can be received. The Company Corporation provides Registered Agent service
for all companies that we form.

6. Protect your company's name. Businesses file names on a per-state basis, so other companies
may be using the same or a similar name in other states. Conducting a trademark search ensures
that your unique company name isn't already in use.

7. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Incorporated businesses and

companies that hire employees must obtain an EIN. The Company Corporation includes this
service in our Premium formation package. You can also order an EIN separately.

8. Satisfy business licensing requirements. The Company Corporation provides a Business

License Compliance Package to identify typical requirements for your business activities. Most
state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain licensing before they begin to
operate. We can provide you with the application forms and contact information for the
appropriate agencies.

9. Draft internal documents for the business. Corporations are governed by their internal bylaws,
whereas LLCs are governed by an operating agreement. The Company Corporation can
customize bylaws or an LLC operating agreement for your business.
_________________________________________________________________
Alabama MicroEnterprise Network (AMEN)
Post Office Box 1882, Birmingham, Alabama 35201
www.microenterprisealabama.org
10. Satisfy insurance requirements. Incorporating or forming an LLC does not provide a company
with business insurance. Most companies obtain general business insurance from an insurance
provider. Corporations and LLCs that hire employees also typically obtain unemployment and
workers compensation insurance.

11. Establish a business presence. Identify a location for the business and establish a business
address. The Company Corporation offers regular mail forwarding service in either Delaware or
Nevada.

12. Establish a Web presence. Not having an effective Website eliminates opportunities for new
customers and more profit.

13. Develop business collateral. Businesses use customized letterhead, cards, and forms with their
company name and logo to establish credibility. Vista Print makes "do-it-yourself" business
cards, business identity products, advertising products, and signage a snap.

14. Open a bank account and merchant account. To protect their corporate or LLC veil,
businesses must maintain separate business and personal accounts and records. Establish a
separate business bank account so that your personal assets are not co-mingled with business
funds. Banks may also require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in order to open a
business checking account.

15. Establish proper accounting procedures. The Company Corporation understands that paying
your taxes is only part of the picture when it comes to setting up your business. Whether you need
help setting up your chart of accounts, have questions about completing a specific tax form, or
need answers to tax questions we can help. Request a 30 minute consultation with a
recommended accountant to discuss your unique situation and get the answers you need.

16. Get a business credit card. A business credit card helps separate your professional and personal
expenses and can help you protect your personal assets from business liabilities.

17. Identify where to get help. Smart business owners know where and when to seek advice from
other sources. Identify attorneys and accountants in your area who can assist you with specific
questions about your business, or contact us to help identify a solution to meet your needs.

18. Get started. Schedule an opening day for your business. Giving yourself a goal helps keep things
on track and can increase your productivity.

19. Complete additional filings as needed. Companies that expand to do business outside their
original state of incorporation or LLC formation generally register in the those additional states.
The Company Corporation can assist with these registration filings, also called "qualifications."
Amendments can also be filed if the information listed on the formation document, like the legal
name of the company or address, changes. Contact us at 800-818-6082 (toll-free) or 302-636-
5440 for assistance with additional state filings.

20. Follow government rules. Operating a small business means satisfying ongoing government and
legal requirements to maintain the company's good standing. Stay aware of the steps needed to
maintain your company's status, and take advantage of The Company Corporation's $50,000
Corporate Veil Guarantee, provided at no cost with our Registered Agent service.

_________________________________________________________________
Alabama MicroEnterprise Network (AMEN)
Post Office Box 1882, Birmingham, Alabama 35201
www.microenterprisealabama.org